I love Persepolis and Esteghlal, Daei says

MNA - Iran national team coach said that on Monday he loves Tehran-based football clubs Persepolis and Esteghlal.
In a meeting held in the football federation’s building, Ali Daei said, “I love Persepolis and Esteghlal so much. In my opinion, our national team will become strong when we have powerful clubs. The two teams bring plenty of spectators to the stadiums. Please don’t accuse me of bias in favor of Persepolis or Esteghlal.”

“Participation in the West Asian tournament will give a chance to the young players who have not had the opportunity to show their potentials.” Daei told the reporters in response to the question of why Iran has taken part in the tourney.

He ruled out Esteghlal coach’s criticism, adding, “ Ghalenoei has attributed his team’s loss against Pegah to the absence of keeper Taleblu and midfielder Kazemi. I think he has stated that as an excuse whereas he had to accept the failure.”

Daei will not invite Persepolis veteran Karim Bagheri to the national team, he said, “I have no problem with him but we have some better players than Karim, namely Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian and Masoud Shojaei.”